Our Final Century?

Sir Martin Rees, professor of cosmology and astrophysics, and one of the world's most eminent astronomers, speaks on the question, Earth in its Final Century? In this video presentation he points out that we are living in an extremely important time in the history of the earth, a century within which we will attain the power to transform ourselves and our planet.

We know that our sun, which has existed for 5 billion years, will die in another 6 billion years. Rees explains that it won't be humans who will be here to witness this death, but creatures "as different from ourselves as we are from bacteria." Another interesting tidbit from the video is Rees' identification of complexity as the science of the 21st century.

In a taut soliloquy that takes us from the origins of the universe to the last days of a dying sun 6 billion years later, renowned cosmologist Sir Martin Rees explains why the 21st century is a pivotal moment in the history of humanity: the first time in history when we can materially change ourselves and our planet. Stunning imagery of cosmological wonders show us the universe as we know it now. Speaking as "a concerned member of the human race," Rees harkens to the wisdom of Einstein, calling for scientists to act as moral compasses, confronting the coming developments and ensuring our role in "the immense future."

This is a short (only 17 minutes) presentation that is well worth the watching. See it here by clicking on the frame below.



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